Let's talk about "what has happened to you?" not about "what's wrong with you". I offer a Compassionate Counselilng and Skills Training approach to help you get beyond the effects of trauma. Are you feeling stuck and want to move forward? I offer face-to-face or online sessions for practical improvement and safe expression of difficult emotions.

See availability and set your appointment here https://cathysharris.clientsecure.me

Let's work together to uncover your true potential so you can lead the life that you choose. Since we can't change what happened to you, let's find what works for you so you can process through the effects of trauma. By applying practical therapy approaches and techniques, we will get to the root of behavior patterns or negative beliefs that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Whether you want to find re-covery or dis-covery, you can be free from feeling down, nervous, fearful or unsure.

Please contact me for a free, 20 minute consultation today.

I offer face-face sessions in San Diego. I offer online sessions to persons throughout California.

In addition, I offer a therapy support group to "ex" Jehovah's Witnesses. For more information, please visit my webisite and visit the "Resources", "Ex" Members of Jehovah's Witnesses page.

More Info About My Practice

Therapy is an investment in self and in most cases need not be ongoing for excessive periods of time. We'll make a plan of action that combines your choices and my recommendations. I accept major credit cards, checks, PPOs, Health Savings Plan and cash in my San Diego location. Check the list to see if I can accept your insurance.

Let's talk about your needs.

I use an empowerment model that will utilize your strengths and resources to assist you to gain the life that you desire. PTSD, Complex PTSD (so-called Borderline Personality Disorder), Dissociative Identity Disorder, depression, anxiety, and other conditions do not have to be permanent.

(Please note: I am not a Medi-Cal provider at this time.)

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

It's not about "what's wrong with you"! It's about "what has happened to you?" What does this mean?

I have expertise in working from a "trauma-informed" empowerment model for depression, anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress response, Dissociative Disorders, and (so-called) Borderline Personality Disorder. I use my education, training, and life experiences to offer validation, affirmation, and hope to those who seek a life beyond being labeled as "sick."

What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist

I love seeing my clients begin to have new experiences as they change the way they think and experience life.

One way I help facilitate that change is by the use of expressive art work. SoulCollage® is an intuitive process for accessing the aspects of yourself, expressing joy and grief and connecting with others who are in a progressive growth process.

My View on the Nature of 'Disorders'

I believe that humans do the best they can with what they have, at any given time. In most cases, we are all just trying to get our needs met. However, if things in your life just aren't working, if you've gone through traumatic life events and don't know how to get beyond the after-effects of these experiences, I am confident we can collaborate to uncover your strengths and find practical ways to help you find your best life. In most cases, I think that one's "disorder" is really an indication of the coping skills they have had to use, in order to survive abuse, trauma, natural disasters and other events and circumstances. Especially in the case of so-called "Borderline Personality Disorder", I believe that individuals have been mis-served by the purely medical model. I prefer to use "Complex Post-Traumatic Stress" response (not Borderline Personality "disorder") for the ambivalence and self-blame that have developed out of traumatic circumstances and relationships.

If this view appeals to you, contact me for a free, 20 minute consultation or set an appointment for your first session here https://cathysharris.clientsecure.me

Video Message

Please note: The video above was submitted by Cathy S Harris, LCSW Using a trauma-informed approach to treat Depression, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Response, Complex PTSD and Dissociative Conditions, and any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by GoodTherapy.org. We do our best to ensure videos align with our mission and vision; however, if you find there is inappropriate content, please email us or call 888-563-2112 ext. 2.

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Services I Provide

Individual Therapy & Counseling

Marriage, Couples, or Relationship Counseling

Group Therapy

Consultation

Clinical Supervision

Online Counseling / Phone Therapy

Other

Ages I Work With

Adults

Elders

Languages

English

Groups I Work With

I am a trauma specialist and utilize a "trauma-informed" approach for most concerns. I also offer support to persons who are exiting or have exited high-control ("cultish") groups (religious, pychiatric, secular, or addictions treatment related) and experience isolation, fear, shunning, etc. Especially "ex" members of Jehovah's Witnesses will benefit from my education and experience with the group. Please visit my website for more information.

Client Concerns Within Your Scope of Practice

Abuse / Abuse Survivor Issues

Addictions and Compulsions

Adjusting to Change / Life Transitions

Anger

Anxiety

Attachment Issues

Career Choice

Codependency / Dependency

Depression

Dissociation

Emotional Abuse

Family of Origin Issues

Grief, Loss, and Bereavement

LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) Issues

Physical Abuse

Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships

Posttraumatic Stress / Trauma

Relationships and Marriage

Religious Issues

Self-Doubt

Self-Esteem

Self-Harm

Sexual Assault / Abuse

Shame

Social Anxiety / Phobia

Spirituality

Suicidal Ideation and Behavior

Types of Therapy

Body-Mind Psychotherapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy /REBT

Creative Art Therapy

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Family Systems Therapy

Mindfulness Based Interventions

Positive Psychology

Psychodynamic

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